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Licklist guide to...Electric Daisy Carnival!

Electronic dance music has hit the nation like a ton of bricks. Whether you’re fresh to the scene or a golden oldie, there is no escaping it. The charts are chock-a-block full of different DJs and producers showcasing their talents and, whether you love it or hate it, it’s here to stay so you might as well make the most of it. And what better way to make the most of it than by going to one of the biggest, best and most famous dance music institutions in the world, Electric Daisy Carnival.

A universal festival partnered by the world’s leading party hosts, Insomniac and Cream, EDC hales Blighty’s humble shores from the mighty USA. When a festival is backed by the big guns you know that you’re in for a treat. This year’s instalment is held on Saturday 12th-Sunday 13th July in Milton Keynes at the National Bowl and has promised to be one of the biggest shows to hit the UK this summer. Featuring some of electronic music’s biggest and best, don’t expect a three hour set from Basshunter, and don’t expect a quiet weekend. EDC goes in hard, so pack your earplugs and prepare to scream.

Who’s There?

The line-up for EDC reads like a who’s who of electronic dance music. You can expect a techno takeover from the Cosmic Meadow stage on the 12th with a line-up that includes Marco Carola, Dubfire, Time Maas and artist of the moment Hot Since 82. On the 13th things get heavier with A Trak, Dillon Francis, Gorgon City, Queen of the Decks BTraits with MC Juma and garage genius Shift K3Y.

The Main Stage, otherwise known as Kinetic Field, is home to the biggest acts of the festival. On the Saturday this means Avicii, Nicky Romero and Martin Garixx, and on the Sunday this means Calvin Harris, Hardwell and Fatboy Slim.

It doesn’t end there however. There are numerous other stages and arenas packed full of more talent than you can shake a stick at.

What Else Can You Expect?

EDC is about creating not only a treat for the ears but for the eyes as well. They haven’t made their name just by putting on amazing acts, they also go out when it comes to visual effects. Nothing is done in half measures and they have become just as famous for the epic production and the insane visual experience as well as the top quality music. The entire venue is designed to be interactive and is meant to engage every one of the audience’s senses. This includes everything from giant flowers (daisies obviously) in the audience, to fireworks, to lasers, to insane pyrotechnics, to the biggest LED show ever to be seen in the UK to the kitchen sink which has been thrown in for good measure.

And that’s just the visuals. Just like it says on the tin, this event is a carnival, and what sort of carnival doesn’t provide rides? You’ll be like a big kid in…well...a playground, a giant playground built just for grown-ups that includes all of your favourite rides. And if you your stomach has decided that enough is enough, have a watch of some of the 500 weird and wonderful theatrical performers, whose job it is to push the boundaries. Nothing is too daring for these guys.

If you’re looking for a way to describe Electric Daisy Carnival, think Alice in Wonderland crossed with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with less chocolate and a much, much better soundtrack. With tickets costing a reasonable £120 for the weekend and a ridiculous number of acts and rides, the only problem you’ll have is fitting it all in.

By Paige Bromley